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Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model (CDM)
Published on: September 23, 2021
Foraging activity is reduced in a mouse model of depression
1Yunnan Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
Neurotoxicity Research
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Reduced food foraging behavior in mice may indicate depression. This study suggests the foraging test could assess decision-making abilities in depression models, involving NMDA, serotonergic, and dopaminergic systems.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression impairs human decision-making, but animal models lack clear indicators of cognitive deficits.
- Foraging behavior in rodents involves decision-making and higher cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if foraging activity is impaired in a mouse model of depression.
- To explore the neurobiological systems involved in depression-related foraging deficits.
Main Methods:
- Established a mouse model of depression using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm.
- Assessed food foraging activity and glial fibrillary associated protein (GFAP) expression.
- Administered fluoxetine and clozapine to CUMS-exposed mice.
Main Results:
- CUMS significantly reduced food foraging activity in mice.
- Fluoxetine partially reversed depressive symptoms and reduced GFAP, but not foraging.
- Clozapine reversed all CUMS symptoms, including impaired foraging and reduced GFAP.
- GFAP expression served as a marker to validate the CUMS protocol.
Conclusions:
- Reduced food foraging is a potential new behavioral finding in depression.
- The serotonergic system alone may not be solely responsible for these foraging deficits.
- NMDA, serotonergic, and dopaminergic systems are differentially involved in foraging behavior.
- The foraging test may serve as a useful tool for assessing decision-making in depression.
